Synaptic Tails

Welcome to Synaptic Tails: Episodes Coming 19th January

Dômes Pharma UK — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:44:15 +0000

Welcome to the Synaptic Tails podcast, where neurology meets practical tips in veterinary care. Hosted by Dr Emma Hancox, a Technical Vet Advisor at TVM UK, a Dômes Pharma Brand, alongside Dr Mark Lowrie of Movement Referrals.

In each episode, we delve into managing neurology cases in first-opinion practice, sharing insights, tips, and tricks we've gained through our experiences.

But that's not all! Over the upcoming episodes, we'll introduce you to TVM's S.M.A.R.T. Approach To Epilepsy. What does S.M.A.R.T. stand for? Speak, Measure, Advise, Realistic, and Tailor. We'll explore how this innovative approach can be applied to real-life cases, providing practical solutions to enhance patient care.

S.M.A.R.T. - S for Speak

Dômes Pharma UK — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000

In our inaugural Synaptic Tails podcast episode, Dr. Emma Hancox and Dr. Mark Lowrie introduce TVM’s S.M.A.R.T Approach to Epilepsy. Focusing on 'Speak,' they engage in frank discussions about the challenges of seizure management, the role of veterinary staff, common misconceptions, and the significance of open communication between the vet, the pet, and the owner. The hosts also delve into epilepsy triggers and how varying environments impact seizure occurrence.

Resources:
Access TVM UK Vet Resources at https://www.tvm-uk.com/registration-page/

Book a Lunch and Learn with TVM UK at https://www.tvm-uk.com/book-your-lunch-and-learn/

For the paper referenced in this podcast visit: https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/vetr.2482

S.M.A.R.T. - M for Measure

Dômes Pharma UK — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:01:00 +0000

Join hosts Dr Emma Hancox and Dr Mark Lowrie in this episode of Synaptic Tails as theydelve into the 'Measure' aspect of the S.M.A.R.T approach to epilepsy in veterinary practice. Focusing on phenobarbital, they discuss the importance of regular monitoring, assessing liver function, understanding drug serum concentration, variations in metabolism, and the use of other antiepileptic drugs like bromide.

Resources:
Access TVM UK Vet Resources at https://www.tvm-uk.com/registration-page/

S.M.A.R.T. - A for Advise

Dômes Pharma UK — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:02:00 +0000

In this Synaptic Tails episode, hosts Dr Emma Hancox and Dr Mark Lowrie focus on the 'A' in the S.M.A.R.T. approach to Epilepsy - 'Advise.' Dr Lowrie provides an in-depth dive into three key areas of epilepsy treatment: management of seizures, management of the underlying cause, and importantly, management of the owner. The conversation touches on potential therapies, handling status epilepticus, toxicity, the importance of MRIs, and the balance between seizure control and quality of life.

Resources:
Access TVM UK Vet Resources at https://www.tvm-uk.com/registration-page/

A link to the ACVIM Consensus statement on Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jvim.13841

A link to the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force Consensus Reports: https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/ivetf

S.M.A.R.T. - R for Realistic

Dômes Pharma UK — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:03:00 +0000

In this episode of the Synaptic Tails Podcast, Dr Emma Hancox and Dr Mark Lowrie delve into realistic methods of managing epileptic patients within the veterinary field. They discuss the nuances of patient referrals, the influence of behavioural changes, and the complexities of managing pharmacoresistant or refractory epilepsy. Furthermore, they explore potential adjunct therapies such as dietary modifications, the utilisation of CBD oil, and novel technologies like vagal nerve stimulators.

Resources:
Access TVM UK Vet Resources at https://www.tvm-uk.com/registration-page/

S.M.A.R.T. - T for Tailor

Dômes Pharma UK — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:04:00 +0000

In the final episode of the 'S.M.A.R.T. Approach' podcast series, hosts Dr Emma Hancox and Dr Mark Lowrie explore the notion of tailoring epilepsy management strategies to individual cases. They delve into the complexities of epilepsy management, discussing aspects such as the consideration of euthanasia, the impact of epilepsy on pets and their owners, and the balance of medication options for optimum seizure control. Throughout their conversation, they stress the importance of understanding seizures as unique to each case and emphasise the need for empathy, patience, and persistence in management strategies.

Resources:
Access TVM UK Vet Resources at https://www.tvm-uk.com/registration-page/

S.M.A.R.T – S for Status Epilepticus

Dômes Pharma UK — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 01:00:00 +0100

In this opening episode of Season 2, Mark and Emma tackle one of the most urgent neurological presentations: status epilepticus. They break down what actually defines this emergency and why timing and clarity matter when managing these critical cases. With practical advice for triage, treatment protocols, and ongoing support for these patients, this episode offers clinicians a confident roadmap for one of the most stressful scenarios in practice.

Access Dômes Pharma Vet resources at domespharma.co.uk/the-vet-vault/

S.M.A.R.T – M for Mimics

Dômes Pharma UK — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 01:01:00 +0100

Not all that fits is epilepsy. In this episode, Mark shares his enthusiasm for movement disorders, behavioural episodes, and other conditions that often masquerade as seizures. From paroxysmal dyskinesia to syncope and gastrointestinal links to neurological signs, Emma and Mark explore the importance of detailed histories, video footage, and trial therapy. The discussion covers both generalised and focal seizures, the use of phenobarbital diagnostically, and highlights the subtle but important signs that differentiate true seizures from their mimics.

Access Dômes Pharma Vet resources at domespharma.co.uk/the-vet-vault/

S.M.A.R.T – A for Adjunctive Medications & Alternative Therapies

Dômes Pharma UK — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 01:02:00 +0100

When first-line treatment isn’t enough, what next? Emma and Mark explore the role of additional anti-epileptic medications such as potassium bromide, levetiracetam and more. With an evidence-based view of expectations and side effects, they also dive into complementary approaches. From MCT diets and CBD oil to the emerging relevance of the gut-brain axis, this episode helps clinicians navigate a crowded therapeutic space with evidence, empathy and nuance.

Access Dômes Pharma Vet resources at domespharma.co.uk/the-vet-vault/

S.M.A.R.T – R for Recognising Feline Epilepsy

Dômes Pharma UK — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 01:03:00 +0100

Cats are not small dogs - and feline epilepsy brings its own set of diagnostic and management challenges. Mark and Emma explore how seizures present differently in cats, the limitations of relying on canine-centric assumptions, and the importance of identifying subtle focal signs. They also take a deep dive into Feline Audiogenic Reflex Seizures, often referred to as Tom and Jerry Syndrome. A must-listen for anyone treating older cats with strange twitching episodes, sound sensitivities or suspected neurological change.

Access Dômes Pharma Vet resources at domespharma.co.uk/the-vet-vault/

S.M.A.R.T – T for Team

Dômes Pharma UK — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 01:04:00 +0100

To wrap up the season, Mark and Emma focus on the broader support network behind every epilepsy case. From front of house answering panicked calls, to nurses reinforcing care plans, and vets navigating chronic uncertainty with owners, epilepsy management is shown to be a true team effort. With honesty, humour and deep practical insight, this episode offers a thoughtful guide to building trust, setting expectations, and supporting owners as much as patients. As a bonus, Mark also ends this episode sharing some of his fascinating experience diagnosing seizures in exotic animals - from snakes to penguins!

Access Dômes Pharma Vet resources at domespharma.co.uk/the-vet-vault/